Overview & Reviews

Introduced as sportier siblings to the mainstay midsize Camry sedan, the Toyota Camry Solara coupe and convertible quietly enjoyed a reputation for being reliable, well built and pleasantly styled, if not excitingly so. For most family sedans, such qualities are certainly considered desirable, but when it comes to coupes and convertibles, we think that a little fun and pizzazz should figure in as well. The Camry Solara never offered much in terms of excitement, but that didn't prevent it from being a popular choice for a midsize two-door.

For both generations of the Solara, rear-seat room was generous and safety ratings and feature content were impressive. Smooth four-cylinder or V6 power resided under the hood, and overall the Toyota Camry Solara was reasonably priced and offered great value considering all that it delivered.

If you're looking for a sport-oriented coupe or convertible, the Toyota Camry Solara isn't going to be your best choice. And the most recent Camry Solara convertible's traditional fabric top can be seen as a bit dowdy given that many competing models from the same time period offer retractable hardtop designs. But if you treasure overall quality, value and comfort, there are few coupes or convertibles that put it all together as well as the Camry Solara.

Most Recent Toyota Camry Solara

The most recent Toyota Camry Solara was the second-generation model and was sold from 2004-'08. It was based on the 2002-'06 Camry sedan and was available as a midsize coupe or convertible in SE, SE Sport and SLE trim levels.

The standard engine on the Camry Solara coupe was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 157 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic (four-speed prior to '06). Optional on coupes and standard on convertibles was a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 210 horses and 220 lb-ft of torque. Prior to 2007, horsepower ratings will appear to be greater; however, this was due to a change in the way horsepower is measured rather than an actual output change. No manual transmission was available with this smooth engine, but the automatic was a modern five-speed with a manual-shift gate for those who like to select their own gears. On the road, the Toyota Camry Solara's suspension tuning delivered a comfortable ride. The added stiffness of the SE Sport model gave it enough capability to provide some fun through corners while still maintaining the civilized ride quality of the other models.

The base SE was decently equipped with most modern convenience features, while the Sport version added a firmer suspension, 17-inch wheels, an exterior body kit, xenon HID headlights and unique interior trim. The top-drawer SLE provided a few extra luxury-oriented standard features. Major options included stability control and a navigation system (which was upgraded for '07).

The Solara's front seats offer plenty of room for even the tallest drivers, but the rear seats are still best reserved for short trips. While Solara coupes can seat three passengers snugly in back, the Camry Solara convertible can accommodate just two. The Solara convertible's standard power top could be raised and lowered in just 10 seconds, and it stowed neatly under a tonneau cover that matched the color of the interior.

Past Toyota Camry Solara Models

The Camry Solara originally debuted for 1999 and was produced through 2003. Mechanically, it was related to the 1997-2001 Camry sedan. Toyota hoped its new two-door would appeal to consumers who wanted the style of a sporty car but the room and comfort of a larger, more practical vehicle. In the first year, only the coupe was sold, but Toyota added the convertible version for model-year 2000.

For this Camry Solara's run, Toyota offered the familiar SE or SLE trim levels. Initially, Toyota offered either a 2.2-liter, 135-hp four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter, 192-hp V6. Either engine could be had with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. For 2002, Toyota introduced a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 157 hp. Revised front and rear styling was also introduced that year. For 2003 and beyond, Toyota discontinued the manual transmission option for the V6.

At the time, we commented favorably about the Toyota Camry Solara's roomy cabin and smooth engines. Downsides included a lack of driving or styling excitement and the absence of some higher-end features, such as stability control and a navigation system.

User Reviews:

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  Oh, my man!!! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Analitik - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Im in love.... from the first minute I drove it. With its 6V do dont feel gravitation, just acceleration. Very smooth drive. Nicely loaded.

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  Worth every penny !! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dave - April 18 - 2:36 am

  Great styling, comfortable but stable ride, excellent engine response, radio controls on steering wheel handy and easy to use, many features found on cars costing much more.

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  Only OK -- Wouldnt Buy it Again - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Travelpro0104 - April 14 - 4:56 pm

  After the leaky roof was fixed two times and I still have to fix the hesitation with excelleration, its an okay car. The tires for life deal is a scam since it requires oil changes every 3,500 miles or the warranty is voided. The car looks great, but I want more than "a looker" to keep me happy.

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  The most Bang for your Buck - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jean - April 13 - 8:20 am

  Feel secure, comfy, and in control. Love the roomy interior, along with the easy use of all controls. Looks stylish inside and out. Easy to get in and out of. Drove all the vehicles in this class, this was superior. I love the gas mileage - the 4 cyl has enough getty-up to perform on highway entry and passing. Handles well on highway and bumpy roads.

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  Fun Fun Fun till the Reaper takes it away - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Beachboop - April 12 - 6:56 pm

  Just bought it, love it love it. Drove 300 miles on the first day, 200 the second. Comfortable & stylish lines. This is a plush ride. If you are wanting a hot rod, go to the strip. If you want comfort style and class this be da ride.

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  Love my Solara - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Leesy - April 10 - 5:46 pm

  I purchased the 2008 SLE V-6 just last week. I love it! After having a 4-Runner for 11 years, I knew buying another Toyota would be the right move. I never dreamed it would be such an awesome car to drive. The ride is very smooth and stable. The safety features make me feel as safe as when I drove my SUV. The pick-up it has is great, and the ride is just as comfortable on the highway as in the city. The trunk is huge. I love having a sporty car that is not "tiny". Good job again, Toyota

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  Still going - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By djcowboy - April 8 - 10:13 pm

  I have had this car since new and the only thing I have had replaced has been the timing belt, water pump and tires. I have 180,000 on the odometer and have not even replaced the clutch. The strut mounts will need to be replaced because I can hear a clunking noise over speed bumps and this seems to be a common problem with the Solara. The tires also seem to be an issue because they wear out pretty quickly. I have no complaints because even after 9 years I still get compliments on the looks and even the way it drives. It also still gets great gas mileage. The original stereo was okay but an upgrade to a Sony made a world of difference, sonically speaking and the speaker are still OEM.

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  Motor Happy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By happymo - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 95 Celica. Very satisfied with Solaras ride and comfort.

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  Easy Decision - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By KZ - March 31 - 10:00 am

  After attending the 2002 Auto Show here in town and seeing the Sebring and Solara convertibles on the same floor, I realized there was not comparison. For the same money, the Solara ragtop was the only choice. The Sebring seemed "flimsy" by comparison. This is indeed a rare car. When I tell my friends what I bought half of them have no idea what Im talking about.

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  You get so much for the price - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jrays - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Solara for 2 years now and I still get a thrill each time I drive it. Its a perfect combination of sportiness, luxury, reliability and price. A car cant be all things to all people, but this one fits me perfectly. Its very comfortable to drive and the back seat can easily hold 3 people. The sound system is great and the automatic climate control keeps the cabin very comfortable. In 2 years, all Ive done is routine maintenance to my Solara.